IDF Clears Hebron Neighborhoods Following Fatal Ambush
Troops searched 200 sites and demolished structures near Yehuda Junction after two soldiers were killed by Hamas-linked gunmen.
By Khalid Khalil ·
The Israel Defense Forces and Civil Administration crews moved into the northern entrance of Hebron on Saturday to dismantle illegally built structures, continuing a major security push initiated after a deadly ambush. The demolitions took place in the immediate vicinity of Yehuda Junction, where two soldiers lost their lives in a shooting attack the previous day.
St. Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem were killed on Friday when Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba opened fire. Both attackers were identified by Central Command officials as members of the Ja'aba clan, a group affiliated with Hamas that operates out of the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood. The military stated that removing the structures near the scene was necessary to enforce order and eliminate potential threats.
The operation is led by the Judea Brigade and includes personnel from the Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and the Border Police. The Shin Bet security agency provided intelligence guidance for the campaign. In total, soldiers searched approximately 200 locations, confirming the absence of weapons and terrorist activity while arresting 10 suspects.
Military assessments indicate that roughly 2,000 residents in the target area belong to the Ja'aba clan. This demographic detail underscores the clan's role as a center of Hamas activity in Hebron. To facilitate thorough searches of homes and infrastructure for weapons, explosives, and ammunition, the military began evacuating the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods on Friday evening.
Civilians in these densely populated western districts were allowed to exit through checkpoints managed by the Shin Bet and the IDF. Officials explained that clearing the buildings of civilians enables troops to inspect family homes and their surroundings without putting residents at risk during intensive sweeps.
A situational assessment will be held on Saturday to determine the next steps for the operation. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller, who commands the IDF West Bank Division, has expanded searches and arrest operations in the Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm areas, as well as other locations in Samaria. These expanded efforts coincide with concerns that Hamas leadership abroad is orchestrating attacks ahead of upcoming elections.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
